InfinityGaming www.gaming-awards.com | ISSUE SUMMER 2016
PONTUS LINDWALL SPECIAL INTERVIEW
WIG & APP
WINNERS GAMING + ARTICLES + business + global + ONLINE + NEWS+ APPS + AWARDS + etc
2
SUMMER 2016
24 HAIL CAESAR Fall of an empire
10 PONTUS LINDWALL Chairman Betsson
WIG 7 All the winners & photos revealed
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in all external articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Infinity Gaming Magazine Any content provided by our feature writers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
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6 EDITOR NOTES Lana welcomes you to the Summer edition of Infinity Gaming Magazine.
8 OUR WRITERS Meet our feature writers, the superb writers on our rosta.
10 MR CHAIRMAN Pontus Lindwall Interview
12 THE 7TH WIG AWARDS
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All the evenings fun
24 HAIL CAESAR Christina Thakor-Rankin article
THE APP AWARDS All the winners and photos
28 APP AWARDS The second annual awards event
ARE TABLETS DEAD? Paul Swaddle article
32
36 WELL HEELED WOMEN Liz Karter latest article
38 DATA CENTER Adding Value
41 NEWS & MORE NEWS from the gaming industry
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The line-up of win Women in INFINITY GAMING
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nners from the 7th Annual n Gaming Awards INFINITY GAMING
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A note from the editor CONTACT US Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK Tel: +44(0)1543 478 889 PRODUCTION Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK
The summer holidays & relaxation is round the corner.
PUBLISHING Infinity Gaming Magazine is operated by © Clever Duck Media Ltd ®
Lana Thompson - Editor
Welcome to the summer edition of the Infinity Gaming Magazine and what an amazing time at the WIG & APP Awards Welcome to the magazine and what
Awards among the future for the com-
an edition we have for you, firstly the
pany and a look back over his career.
amazing women that attend the Women in Gaming Awards, congratulations to all
How our team manage to put out all
of you whether you have won an award
this and still fill the magazine with the
or not you are all winners, well done to
very latest news and articles is amaz-
you all. Then we had those innovative
ing, many thanks to our superb team of
geniuses that make the Apps and rec-
contributing writers Christina Thakor-
ognising them with the APP Awards, the
Rankin, Liz Karter and the App Man Paul
future is right here.
Swaddle.
For both events we had the highest
Well I’m off for a summer holiday and
ever participation in nominations, both
wish you all a wonderful time and catch
events were truly “feel good” ceremo-
you all very soon.
nies and it is an honour to meet some of the industries most talented people, an
Enjoy the magazine.
inspiration to us all. So, “To Infinity and Beyond!” However apart from those amazing people and companies we have the excel-
Regards,
lent Pontus Lindwall, Chairman of Bets-
Lana
son speaking to Colin Thompson about his own award for Outstanding Contribution to Gaming at the recent IGA
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The Editor
Company Reg. No. 687 1018 (Registered in England) V.A.T reg. no 972 6372 91
Sponsorship Opportunities Colin@cleverduckmedia.com Business Partnerships Svetlana@gaming-awards.com Marketing & Advertising claire@cleverduckmedia.com Editorial Content & PR media@cleverduckmedia.com
PREMIUM CASINO GAMES www.playngo.com
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SUMMER 2016
Infinity Gaming Magazine Contributing Writers A magazine is only as good as the content inside and with some of the leading specialists within the gaming industry. With specialised articles covering customer service, the gaming law, new prducts, technology and current affairs with the sector the Infinity Gaming Magazine is delighted to showcase our superb line-up of contributing writers.
Christina Thakor-Rankin Christina is Principal Consultant at 1710 Gaming Ltd, a specialist betting and gaming consultancy, delivering a range of services including licensing and compliance (incl. regulation, money laundering and social responsibility), business start-up, training and strategic reengineering, project management, research, business analysis and development, to start-ups and established multi-national operators and providers, gambling regu-
lators, law enforcement and government agencies, media, and specialist interest groups and associations within the sector, in both established and emerging markets across the world.
www.1710gaming.com
Liz Karter – Psychotherapist specializing in women and problem gambling Liz Karter is a specialist in gambling and women and has worked as a therapist in gambling addiction since 2001. Liz is also author of the book “Women and Problem Gambling” published in March 2013. In January 2010 having worked with all leading UK problem gambling treatment agencies, and having successfully established the first UK groups for women with gambling addiction, Liz launched Level Ground Therapy. A treatment service in the City of London, Level Ground specialises in meeting the individual needs of women with gambling addiction.
Throughout her career Liz has been regularly consulted by the media regarding her specialisation and has made frequent national TV and radio broadcasts including This Morning, Radio 4 You and Yours and Women’s Hour and given numerous national newspaper and magazine interviews.
Paul Swaddle - CEO Pocket App A self-confessed ‘gadget geek, Paul Swaddle has been working at the leading edge of mobile technology for the past 15 years. He co-founded Pocket App in 2011 to bring the creative and technical development elements of mobile technology together under one roof. This unique approach continues to differentiate Pocket App in today’s increasingly competitive landscape.
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Working across a range of communications disciplines such as acquisition, loyalty, retention and customer development, Paul understands the importance of a strategic and coordinated marketing approach, particularly between on and off-line communications. In the past decade he has enabled brands as diverse as Kellogg’s Fruit Winders, Barclays and Loaded magazine to get the best out of mobile.
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Interview with Pontus Lindwall Chairman Betsson Colin Thompson sits down with Pontus Lindwall following his award for Outstanding Contribution to Gaming at the recent 9th IGA Awards.
Pontus thank you for talking to us today, as Chairman of Betsson how involved are you still in the day to day activities of the company?
Yes, especially looking at the com-
Short answer is No. I enjoy life as it is.
panies which I started and all these
I want to work hard, because only then
people
these
can I appreciate when I do something
beyond
else, like vacations and stuff. I would
started.
become a nutcase shortly if I did not get
now
companies, what
I
working that
expected
is
with well
when
I
I am still very much involved in the operation of the mother company, the listed entity, but not in the operational companies in Malta and elsewhere.
You were recognised at the International Gaming Awards with the Outstanding Contribution Award, was it a surprise?
the challenge of working.
Although you have been given the award do you think there is more that Pontus Lindwall will be contributing to the industry in the future?
How much is your family a part of your success with Betsson? They are a good part of the success. My wife has supported me since we met
I hope so. And I think so! I am still 100%
which was when the company was a
in this industry and I have lot’s of ideas,
three person start-up. My kids support
and now also some experience, so I am
me in their ways, they think the gam-
That was really a surprise and a fantastic
sure that I will continue to contribute in
bling business is cool.
one!
different ways.
How did you feel looking back at your life so far on screen at the awards, was it some what surreal?
With so much success is it not tempting to just retire and enjoy life more?
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For all those budding entrepreneurs out there wanting to make it big, what is it or how is it that you know what will be a success in the
SUMMER 2016
There is definitely growth in the market. There are so many countries who are at different stages of their development curves. UK and Nordics are several years ahead of southern Europe, who in turn are several years ahead of other parts of the world.
PONTUS LINDWALL Receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award at the recent IGA9 Awards.
future and go for like online gambling?
into has been slower than expected.
Sweden got computerized and Internet-
And a few never took off. But in general
connected very early. The second factor
I think you can say that most companies
is that the state monopoly educated the
Actually I think you never know exactly
or projects seems to need around 5 - 7
swedes in gambling and brought it to
what will be a success. But there are
years to prove themselves. So patience
their living rooms through aggressive
some elements that you can look for,
is essential.
TV-marketing. By doing that, gambling
like existing customer behaviour (or customer needs) and scalability. If these components exist, then there are good chances to create a success.
Has there ever been any businesses you have done that has not worked out and been successful?
became normalized, and not something
Why is Sweden such a hot bed for success in the online gambling market? I think there are two factors. The first one is that Sweden was early on technology and infrastructure. There was a political reform in the late 90:s with tax
Yes, I would say all business I have gone
shady.
So many mergers and acquisitions have taken place over the last 18 months but mostly not Swedish involved, is there a reason Swedish suppliers and operators like to go it alone?
subsidiaries for home computers. So
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Pontus Lindwall Special Interview
I think there is quite a lot going on with
When I started there was no Internet
M&A in the Nordics. Betsson has been
pioneers around who had made it big
acquiring several companies and so has
yet. So I looked at people who had built
our Nordic competitors. There was one
other companies, with big visions, and
other large deal that was released early
who had built them fast. As I got to know
May. So there are lots of activity going
John Wattin (later on the board for Cher-
on in the Nordics.
ry, NetEnt and Betsson) I was impressed with what he had done in the 80’s.
Is there anything Pontus Lindwall is working on now that could be the next big business for him? No, I tend to concentrate hard on the companies I am engaged in, which is
There is definitely growth in the market. There are so many countries who are at
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I hope they will remember me as dypossible. And also that I have always be-
How do you look at the online gambling business now, would you say it is a capacity or is there still growth in the market?
these companies are big business so I
Who are the business men or women that you most admired when you were starting out in the world, who inspired you most?
When you finish your career when ever that is Pontus, how would you like to be remembered by those who worked for and with you?
namic, with the view that nothing is im-
mainly Betsson and NetEnt. But both can’t say that I miss out on that.
growth.
lieved that it must be fun to work. I want my people to work hard, but also to be able to have fun, that is a combo I like.
Before we let you go, what is the future for Betsson more of the same to come or something very special?
different stages of their development curves. UK and Nordics are several years
In a way it is more of the same to come,
ahead of southern Europe, who in turn
but, the same means innovation every
are several years ahead of other parts of
day, so I still believe that the future will
the world. So there is lots of space for
be “very special!”
WIG NEWS
SUMMER 2016
Women in Gaming Awards make their mark with a celebration of diversity
T
he 7th Women in Gaming
industry influencers. Organised
of the company’s employees. Leading
Awards - the established and
by Clever Duck Media, the Women
by example in helping them prioritize
most prestigious programme
in Gaming Awards has gathered
their work / life balance.
recognising inspirational women
resounding support from Visionary
within the gaming industry took
sponsors and companies of all sizes
Outstanding Contribution Award
place Friday 20 May at the Jumei-
since launching back in 2010.
went to Nicola Hodgson from Crown
rah Hotel in London to celebrate
Melbourne Australia who spent 25
diversity, inclusion,
years in the industry
leadership and
internationally.
excellence. Full list of Winners The Women in Gam-
2016 Women in Gam-
ing (WIG) Awards
ing Awards http://
has been created
gaming-awards.com/
to highlight the
wig/wig-winners/
exceptional women
wig-winners-2016/
working in the gaming based industry,
Thank you to all
role models that
of the sponsors
show it is an indus-
that supported the
try that offers excit-
Women in Gaming
ing career opportu-
Awards 2016: Play’n
nities for women on
Go, Playtech and
both a National and
NetEnt who is aiming
Global basis.
to achieve 50/50 Gender diversity by
Clever Duck Media organisers of the
On the evening awards were present-
Women in Gaming Awards said they
ed by Britain’s got Talent Voice over
had more than 300 nominations and
artist Darren Altman who brought
Nominations for 2017 Awards will
entries across 16 categories and it
laughter to the lively evening with
open in February 2017 on official
was a hard job for Judges to decide
his voice comedy routine.
webpage http://gaming-awards.com/
on a shortlist as all deserving award entries.
2020 across all departments.
wig/ Industry Pride of the year Award went to Frida Östberg, she is responsible
The WIG event showcases the
for coordinating NetEnt’s employee
achievements and innovation of
Health and Energy program, Frida
women in gaming, identifying new
draws on fifteen years’ experience as
role models and promoting further
an international athlete and Olym-
dialogue around diversity among
pian to serve as a role model for all
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WOMEN IN GAMING AWARDS WINNERS 201 01
04
07
02
05
08
03
06
09
01
02
03
Industry Pride of the Year
04
B2B Excellence Award
07
Hidden Talent of the Year
Frida Östberg
Ebba Arnred
Mayan Eisner
NetEnt
Play’n GO
Scientific Games
Outstanding Contribution
05
Employee of the Year
08
Industry Achiever
Nicola Hodgson
Cari Blomquist
Elizabeth Dutton
Crown Melbourne
IGT
Playtech
Affiliate Manager of the Year
06
Excellence in Customer Service
09
Innovator of the Year
Janine Jules (right)
Johanna Johnstone & Team (R)
Lydia Barbara
Leo Vegas
Caesars Entertainment UK
Microgaming
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16 - THE AMAZING WOMEN OF THE YEAR 10
13
16
11
14
17
12
15
16
Star of the Future Anastasia Muljajew Tipico
17 10
11
12
Inspiration of the Year
13
NetEnt Marieanne Carmody Weir
Mr Green
Aspers Group
14
Sales Manager of the Year
Kelly Kehn
Marina Bogard
Initial Rewards
IGT
Leader of the Year (Land Based)
15
Fayan Pourisa
Leader of the Year (land based)
Therese Carlzon
Leader of the Year (iGaming)
Team of the Year
Marketing Excellence Award B2C
Marieanne Carmody Weir
Sofia Edbom
Aspers
Amaya Gaming
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CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT UK Caesars team at the Champagne Reception
Cheers to all the ladies
ASPERS TEAM
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PLAY’N GO Ebba Arnred center
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LEO VEGAS
NETENT
The Leo Vegas girls with a perfect pose
AMAYA GAMING The ladies from leading poker operator, PokerStars.
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INITIAL REWARDS Kelly Kehn winner
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KELLY KEHN
NETENT TEAM Celebrating two awards
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WHO IS THAT GUY? The Amaya Gaming girls seem to know....
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THE SALSA After party begins
NICOLA HODGSON
FRIDA OSTBERG
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We are the Champions!
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SUMMER 2016
Hail Caesar – the fall of an empire By Christina Thakor-Rankin
T
he speculation surrounding the fate of Caesars Entertainment and Caesars Interactive Entertainment continues to gather momentum, in what could be the final and very dramatic closing chapter in the history of one of the gambling industry’s most iconic brands. For many industry observers and commentators, the fall of Caesars, has been on the cards for a while now. Since 2014 in fact, when Caesar’s announced: “We experienced negative operating cash flows of $386.8 million for the six months ended June 30 2014, and we expect to experience negative operating cash flows for the remainder of 2014 and the foreseeable future, and do not expect that our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to repay our indebtedness in the long-term and we will ultimately seek a refinancing, amendment, or restructuring of our debt, or if necessary, pursue additional debt or equity offerings.” In view of the above, the surprise is that what now seems to be the inevitable, has not happened sooner. So what happened to bring this once great empire (formerly
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known as Harrah’s) and which boosts a massive 68,000 employees across its estate of 50 casinohotels across the world, including the iconic Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, to its knees? An empire that started with Bill Harrah opening his bingo parlour in Reno, Nevada in 1937, and saw it become the first casino company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1973. Following Harrah’s death, the business was acquired by Holiday Inns 1980, who in 1990 formed The Promus Companies as part of a restructure to support the sell-off of the Holiday Inn hotel business. In 1995, Promus Companies decided to split the business into gaming and non-gaming divisions, the gaming division consisting of 16 casinos, was renamed Harrah’s Entertainment. The next 10 years saw continued expansion, culminating in 2005 with the acquisition of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. adding both casinos and cruise ships to its growing estate. 2005 also saw expansion overseas into Spain, Slovenia, the Bahamas, followed by the acquisition of London Clubs International in 2006 and the Macau Orient Golf
club in 2007. In 2006, Apollo Global Management and TPG Capital, private equity companies, cut a deal to buy Harrah’s (later re-branded as Caesar’s in 2010) at a time when Vegas was enjoying a boom period in tourism and development, and loans and investment cash a mere formality. Unfortunately, whilst the deal was cut in 2006, it was not closed until 2008 -
An empire that started with Bill Harrah opening his bingo parlour in Reno, Nevada in 1937, and saw it become the first casino company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1973.
SUMMER 2016
almost two years later and in the shad-
manage their finances the bottom line
time, you cannot fool them forever, and
ow of a global recession looming on the
seems to be that this is yet another cau-
the last year has seen a growing num-
horizon, resulting in the new acquisi-
tionary tale of how not all that glitters is
ber of disgruntled creditors finally say-
tion coming with a significant amount
gold within the world of gambling.
ing enough is enough. The net result has
of debt, reportedly in excess of $20 bil-
been the filing of lawsuits, accusations
lion. Since then the Company has been
Whilst Caesars continued to post rev-
of asset stripping, and questioning the
trying desperately to play catch-up.
enues, the starkest sign of its perilous
legality of transferring assets to newly
position was in 2013 when Las Vegas
created subsidiaries, which sit outside
During the intervening years, a com-
Sands (which had been investing fur-
of the reach of the creditors, and at-
plex blend of financial deals, corporate
ther afield in places like Macau) made a
tempts to force the company into bank-
re-structuring, an IPO in 2012, closing
profit of $2.3bn, whilst Caesars posted a
ruptcy earlier this year to prevent it im-
down venues in Atlantic City, Missis-
loss of $2.9bn. Despite this, the compa-
plementing a rescue and recovery plan.
sippi and London and cutting staff have
ny continued to spend money it prob-
seen Caesar’s stave off the inevitable
ably didn’t have on projects which have
In a bid to avoid bankruptcy, Caesars
but ultimately, no amount of smoke,
failed to live up to expectation such as
has proposed a restructure of the busi-
mirrors and financial re-structuring can
its High Roller observation wheel, a gi-
ness write off its $10bn debt and re-
hide the fact that Caesar’s owes more
ant Ferris wheel on the strip, and head-
duce its annual interest payments from
money than it makes.
liners such as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey
$1.7bn to a more manageable $450m.
and Elton John for its Colosseum shows.
To implement this Caesars would have
Without entering into a detailed analy-
to raise (contribute) around $4 billion in
sis of how large global corporations
It seems that whilst you can fool some,
use complicated company structures to
or even all, of the creditors some of the
cash, debt and equity.
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The fall of an empire
There are a couple of hurdles to getting
Whilst the land business seems to be
see the attraction and value in say Poker
the plan across the line. The first is the
teetering on the edge of collapse, Cae-
Stars, or a land based operator wanting
issue of pending lawsuits against the
sars Interactive Entertainment, despite
to spend to own the rights to one of the
parent private equity companies Apollo
having faced its own challenges, is ac-
most valuable gambling events in the
and TPG which are estimated to be any-
tually doing rather well comparatively
world. One might also see the attrac-
where in the region of between $5 and
speaking.
tion of an online operator paying to buy
$12 billion.
their way into the US online gambling Aside of being one of social casinos
market in New Jersey and Nevada by
The second is the issue of a debt-lad-
success stories, and operating on-line
taking over an existing entity. One has
en business having $4 billion to put
gaming platforms in New Jersey and Ne-
to wonder however, whether a portfo-
towards its rescue plan, when there is
vada, Caesars Interactive Entertainment
lio which consists of nothing more than
little chance of any sane investor want-
owns what is possibly poker’s most
social games, popularity of said games
ing to throw good money at a business
valuable global asset – the World Series
notwithstanding, is worth anything
which is not only losing money by the
of Poker. Initial reports however suggest
close to $4 billion, and if so who.
day, but could be wiped out entirely if
that any deal or acquisition of Caesars
the disgruntled creditors have their way.
Interactive Entertainment would not
The sale of Caesars Interactive Enter-
include the online gaming platforms
tainment in part or in whole may prove
In light of the above it is perhaps no sur-
or the WSOP – raising the question of
to be irrelevant, for it seems like the
prise then that there are rumours that
whether the social gaming proposition
future of the business lies not in the
Caesars Entertainment Corp. is consid-
alone is worth anywhere near as much
hands of a white knight but the current
ering the possible sale of Caesars Inter-
as $4 billion.
creditors, who have the power to agree
active Entertainment (CIE) (possibly the
or decline any plan and the ultimate
only part of Caesar’s worth having right
This would effectively be a re-sale of
now), at a potential sale price of around
Playtika, which Harrah’s initially bought
$4 billion.
a 51% stake in for between $80 and $90 million back in 2011. One could
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irony of et tu Brute.
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SUMMER 2016
APP AWARDS WINNERS 2016 - THE AM 01
04
07
02
05
08
03
06
09
01
App of the Year
04
Betsson Jackpots App
02
Best App Company
Best App Design Leo Vegas
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07
Mecca Bingo
05
Pilot Games
03
Best Bingo App
Best Casino App
Lottoland
08
Mr Green
06
Best Free to play App Duel by PokerStars
Best Lottery App
Best Poker App PokerStars
09
Best Slots game App Betsson Jackpots App
SUMMER 2016
MAZING GAMING APPS OF THE YEAR 10
10
11
Best Social gaming App Mobile Strike
11
12
Best Sports betting App Playtech
12
Innovative App of the Year Mr Green Ltd
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MR GREEN Mr Green ladies enjoying the drinks reception
SYLVIA DIETZ Along with the IGT Team arrive for the awards drinks reception
THE AWARDS Everyone had their eye on the awards but only the select few were lucky to receive this year.
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MR GREEN Those Mr Green ladies just want to have fun!
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SUMMER 2016
Are Tablets Dead? Infinity Gaming Magazine contributing writer Pocket APP CEO Paul Swaddle
Paul Swaddle
Has the Tablet had its day after just six years?
Six years after the release of the iPad,
these big brands not having any imme-
If we take a closer look at the market,
a once booming market is on the verge
diate plans in this space, does this mean
it becomes clear that tablets are now
of a massive shift, one that not many
that consumers don’t care about tablets
a commodity. With perfectly adequate
predicted. For those who visited Mo-
anymore?
tablets now available for less than
bile World Congress, the world’s largest
£100, little to no differentiation be-
mobile conference earlier this year, you
Cannibalised by large screen smart-
tween devices and a saturated market,
had a better chance of spotting the odd
phones
it’s becoming increasingly harder for
person wearing Google Glasses than any new tablet devices.
companies to make a profit on them. The shift away from tablets can be in part explained by the ever growing
According to the recent industry analy-
rate of smartphone adoption, and with
sis conducted by IDC, the tablet market
the introduction of larger devices, now
was down by as much as 10.1%, last
known as the phablet, it seems that
year, with an estimated 206.8 million
many users are more than happy bing-
tablets shipped. That’s down from 230.1
ing on Netflix via their plus-sized mo-
million shipped in 2014. These stats are
biles. The first Samsung Galaxy had a
a bit better if you look at other research
5.3 inch display, meaning that what was
numbers, which estimate that 224.3
considered at the time to be a phablet
million tablets were shipped in 2015,
is now an average sized mobile device.
compared to 242.2 million in 2014—a
So big phones have become a norm and
decline of only 8.1%.
are often seen as a deterrent for anyone considering the purchase of a tablet -
I can remember how folks were excit-
it’s just easier to deal with one device
ed about the Nexus 7, but this year, it
instead of two.
seems big electronic companies aren’t
The shift away from tablets can be in part explained by the ever growing rate of smartphone adoption, and with the introduction of larger
even trying to release new tablet devic-
With an estimated 50% of Android tab-
es. Excluding Lenovo’s attempt at get-
lets shipped last year featuring a 7inch
ting into the lower end tablet spectrum
display, the threat of larger screen
and Huawei’s launch of the Matebook
smartphones is a clear factor in the de-
(which technically isn’t a tablet), tablet
cline of tablet sales.
binging on Netflix via
Usage patterns
their mobiles.
devices weren’t even mentioned by the likes of Samsung, Sony, HTC or LG. With
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devices, now known as the phablet, happy
SUMMER 2016
With the introduction of the iPad, no-
coming demise of laptops. However,
visible in the early adopter groups.
body was sure how often users would
the industry didn’t anticipate the rise in
want to upgrade their tablets - would
smartphone screen size, which in turn
On the other hand, what’s left to intro-
the pattern be closer to a smartphone
has resulted in tablets looking more
duce? Larger screen resolutions; haptic
or an elongated cycle, more reminiscent
like a luxury device and making laptops
feedback; personalised tablets aimed at
of laptop usage cycles?
hard to resist.
specific demographics such as children or gamers? There is no clear upgrade
Now we seem to have a better under-
Google’s recent introduction of its
direction within this market, which can
standing of this industry, as identified
Chromebook range and new lower
easily change with the introduction of
by Apple’s own Tim Cook, the usage cy-
price point for entry level notebook
interconnected homes or perhaps a
cle of iPads is `longer than an iPhone,
devices have hurt tablet sales across
shift from the current consumer focus
probably between an iPhone and a PC.`
established Western markets, with con-
to target schools and businesses with
Chances are, you have a tablet at home
sumers opting to replace their laptops
tablet devices.
and you mainly use it for browsing the
rather than investing in a luxury tablet
internet, watching Netflix or some light
which does pretty much everything
It is becoming clear that tablets are fac-
reading during family time. Tablets have
their shiny smartphone can.
ing a tough time, however they can still
become a shared family device, with
make a comeback if companies analyse
relatively light usage and software up-
So where’s the innovation or the way
the usage patterns closely and address
grades keeping the devices current, the
forward?
the current market’s needs. Tablets
need to replace them is declining.
need to clearly differentiate from both When looking at all the tablet devices
smartphones and laptops, providing us-
Laptops are a tougher rival than pre-
available on the market, it’s hard not to
ers with a distinctive, personalised ex-
dicted
notice the iterative approach in their
perience. That said, if nothing changes,
improvements on previous models.
tablets will be further cannibalised by
With the rapid success of the iPad and
New tablets genuinely lack exciting and
the increasing rate of smartphone adop-
subsequent Android tablets flooding
innovative features, which in turn are
tion and forever sit on the shelf next to
the market, many pointed to the up-
a significant upgrade factor, especially
other luxury goods.
INFINITY GAMING
33
34
SUMMER 2016
Pennsylvania vote down igaming bill but fight goes on
Pennsylvania lawmakers voted down
gambling.
the iGaming bill in the House of Representative but the “no vote” which
“I didn’t do this because I was pro any-
was 107-81 could get another chance
thing but business,” Payne stressed.
very soon as it was connected with the expansion of video gaming terminals
Payne said that he has held a whopping
(VGTs) in the Keystone State. So Rep.
47 meetings and hearings for online
John Payne the sponsor of the online
gaming over the past year and a half.
gambling bill says it could go again
“Nobody on this floor can say they want
next time on its own and as soon as this
to wait until they have more informa-
week for a vote.
tion. We’ve had enough hearings, and I’m asking for a ‘yes’ vote.”
The state which has almost 13 million residents and currently has a land
Most observers say that unless online
based gambling market worth $3 billion
gambling is legalised this year before
annually has a $50 billion black hole in
John Payne stands down next year then
state pensions and John Payne believes
it could be a long wait for another op-
online gambling could help plug some
portunity.
of that hole and not just for internet
INFINITY GAMING
SUMMER 2016
Senior executive at Caesars leaves for Google As Caesar Entertainment continue to
cloud services and devices, according to a source familiar with the company.
struggle and fight in bankruptcy court one of its senior executives has left to
Shaukat joined Caesars in 2012 before leaving for his new role with Google.
join Google. Tariq Shaukat, the Chief Commercial Officer for Caesars Entertainment Corp. Has been nabbed by the internet giant to help the companies push to offer more B2B services. Mr Shaukat will become Google’s President of Enterprise Sales. Earlier this month, Amit Singh, the head of Google’s enterprise app business, jumped over to run business operations for the company’s virtual reality effort. Shaukat’s role will be an expanded one, overseeing sales for enterprise apps,
SJM lower gaming table requirement for new resort SJM Holdings Chief Executive Ambrose
Parisian Macao from Sands China Ltd;
So Shu Fai said the company is planning
MGM Cotai from MGM China Holdings
to apply for “400 to 500” new live gam-
Ltd; and Grand Lisboa Palace.
ing tables for the under-construction Grand Lisboa Palace in Cotai.
Last year Studio City operated by Melco Crown Entertainment and Phase 2 of
Previously the firm had said it would
Galaxy Macau were both given 250 ta-
look at asking for 700 tables but that
bles each when opening their new re-
figure has dropped and the new appli-
sorts.
cation will be put in once the completion of the new resort is nearing com-
Mr So said on Friday that SJM Holdings
pletion.
would wait for the government’s table allocation for Grand Lisboa Palace be-
Grand Lisboa Palace is scheduled to
fore looking into the possibility of shift-
be completed by the end of next year,
ing tables from some of its other Macau
but in 2014 when SJM executive break
casinos to the Cotai property. The latter
ground on the construction it said that
scenario would be in case SJM Holdings
they will apply for 700 tables and some
did not receive enough new gaming ta-
1,200 slot and gaming machines.
bles for Grand Lisboa Palace.
However many analysts believe that
The SJM Holdings chief executive told
SJM along with the other the other re-
reporters that it was still “hard to pre-
sorts being built in Cotai will be given
dict” whether the Grand Lisboa Palace
250 tables each, which will include
project would face any construction de-
Wynn Palace from Wynn Macau Ltd;
lays.
INFINITY GAMING
35
36
SUMMER 2016
Well Heeled Women
Liz Karter
What are you wearing? A familiar question asked by women fourteen to fifty and beyond when faced with the dilem-
From receptionist sacked from her job
in pavement cracks and with excessive
ma of dressing for a prestigious event
at PwC because she refused to wear
use damage our backs and we pay the
such as the glamorous Women in Gam-
heels, to the actress Julia Roberts going
price for a Manolo Blahniks in pinched
ing Awards. Delighted to be invited to
barefoot across the red carpet in rebel-
toes and blisters.
the awards evening I imagined the chal-
lion against the dress code at Canne
lenging sartorial choice facing most of
which included a high heels, women
So, do we wear our high heels because
us women would be do we dare a full
seem to be shunning the stiletto, see-
we masochistic tendencies? Is our self
length gown or the trusty little black
ing it as a sexist statement. This on the
esteem so low that we imagine our-
dress? Hot media stories this month
one hand (or foot..?) is understandable.
selves unattractive unless our height is
would lead us to consider carefully our
Images which portray women as sexual
enhanced? For the mature, intelligent
choices in the footwear department. It
objects use high heels as uniform. So
women gathered at the Women in Gam-
seems to be all about shoes and the sig-
are high heels disempowering? To a
ing Awards, I imagine the answer would
nals they give out about status, power
some degree at least physically so; we
be almost certainly not. Can, then, wear-
and sexism.
cannot run (well) in heels, they get stuck
ing high heels be empowering or a
INFINITY GAMING
SUMMER 2016
statement of status and power? Many
by her relapse and in her slippers.
women describe feeling empowered by
ther make us happy or very unhappy. What makes the difference is whether
wearing high heels. The association for
Another young woman I am working
we feel that we have truly made our
such women is with wearing heels and
with at my Level Ground practice was
free and authentic choice. Within my
the professional aspect of themselves.
suffering high anxiety and stress. Hav-
practice I currently have two seemingly
They walk tall, with confidence, feel
ing worked with me to get her self con-
very different women. One is a stay at
posture is improved and for those, like
fidence back and feeling mentally, emo-
home married mum of three, the other a
myself, who are of a diminutive stature
tionally and physically a lot fitter she
single career woman. Each is in therapy
heels can make one feel literally more
told me she could not wait to put on a
for their gambling addiction because,
on a level when in meetings with male
dress, her high heels and head to a club
despite their very different lives, they
colleagues. If at work we are strong
to show everyone that she was well and
have the same problems. Each is feel-
and capable then being dressed in our
truly back in charge of her life. Her heels
ing stressed and depressed at having
professional attire elsewhere gives us
were a part of her power statement.
succumbed to their life circumstance
positive associations with being able
because of family and social pressures.
to problem solve and manage the most
When we think about it, to wear the
The secret heart’s desire of the stay at
difficult scenarios. Recently, a success-
heel or not to wear the heels may be
home mum is to put on her heels and go
ful, professional woman I am treating
a very contemporary question, but our
out into the world of work and build a
for her gambling addiction telephoned
fascination with the meaning of foot-
career. The unspoken longing of the sin-
me in tears, having had a middle of the
wear goes back decades and is present
gle career woman is to have a husband
night relapse. Amongst other therapeu-
in fairy tales, stories and myth. The Red
and stay at home; she would give up all
tic strategies I advised her most strongly
Shoes, Cinderella’s glass slippers, the
she has to be barefoot and pregnant.
to get up, have a shower, get dressed in
ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz. Pow-
her favourite suit and high heeled shoes
erful song from Nancy Sinatra telling us
So ladies, I would say we should not lis-
and go to work and to stay dressed in
that “These boots are made for Walkin”
ten to what we are told about what we
her work clothes whilst sorting out her
and the phrase “kept barefoot and preg-
should or should not wear on our feet.
damaged bank balance that evening.
nant” being a warning statement for
If your heels make you happy and you
She contacted me later to say that it
what lies ahead for the woman who al-
feel empowered then go girl! If you are
had worked like a charm; dressed in a
lows herself to give away her share of
happier at home in your slippers, then
way which she associated with feeling
the power balance in a relationship.
all power to you. After all, nothing is as
powerful she was able to manage not
So what should we choose is we are to
emancipating, attractive and empower-
only a day’s work but felt much more
walk the path of happiness through life?
ing as being our authentic self.
on top of her emotions and irrational
Years of experience of listening to what
thoughts than she would have been had
makes women happy has taught me that
she stayed at home, deeply saddened
being barefoot or in killer boots can ei-
INFINITY GAMING
37
38
SUMMER 2016
The added value of a multi-service provider to the gambling industry
The gaming market should reach $99.6 billion in 2016, an increase of 8.5% compared to 2015. The gaming industry is constantly growing and at the cutting edge of innovation. But how can an IT provider find his place in this field? This is the question that Datacenter.eu, colocation, cloud, IP transit and connectivity provider, will examine deeper. Gaming has evolved a lot these last couple of years with the boom of online industry. Gamers now have the possibility of using a large variety of devices and are no more bound to their consoles, as it has previously been the case. They can play
Another important asset of cloud com-
from everywhere and from any device
puting is its impact on accessibility and
they wish, whether it’s a smartphone,
availability. Thanks to the flexibility and
smart TV, console, laptop, tablet and so
scalability of the storage, gaming com-
on. This evolution is possible thanks to
panies make sure that players can log
cloud computing which offers a con-
into their account and access all their
tinuous and immediate access for both
saved contents. They do not have to
players and developers, with the free-
think on how they could save and pro-
dom to access it from everywhere.
tect their games anymore, they can play their favorite games anytime without
Indeed, developers have the possibil-
having to use the same device, from any
ity to host games into the cloud and
place which makes it much more pleas-
to modify it instantaneously. Changes
ant and easier. This is clearly a key point
are immediate for players, all around
of the player’s satisfaction.
the world. Games run mainly from the cloud, instead of being downloaded lo-
Cloud computing also enables multi-
cally, which reduces the storage foot-
ple game content. As a matter of fact,
print on player’s devices and enables
back then gamers could only play one
IT engineers to do upgrades in a much
single game at a time. However with
easier and faster way.
cloud computing, it became possible to play multiple games at once, thanks to
INFINITY GAMING
SUMMER 2016
39
several ways created for accessing. This clearly adds value to the gaming experience. Undoubtedly, cloud computing is a win-win affair: thanks to this new way of content delivery, it helps increase the revenues of gaming companies and players have a better and much more diversified experience, play from everywhere, without the need to care about transporting their console or how to save their data. Moreover, the last developments in data security helped to protect their identities. According to these reasons, cloud computing is revolutionizing the gaming industry by modifying the game access, the ways to play and above all storage. However, to be efficient it is important to select the good provider, who offers the best suitable solution. We at Datacenter.eu understand the gaming culture, their patterns of consump-
Based in Luxembourg, at the center of
mid-air. Players are expecting a smooth
tion, as well as the issues and needs of
Europe, we provide flexible and reliable
game. This is the same in the middle of
game companies.
solutions. From public to private or hy-
a gambling, the odds in a bet can vary
brid cloud, we deliver custom-made so-
from one second to the other. Regarding
lutions which benefits are cost optimi-
the importance of connectivity, Data-
zation, unlimited storage capacity, full
center.eu provides an ultra-low latency
control of the data, high security, OPEX
to provide the best service possible. We
model, etc.
are interconnected to the major Internet backbones, with connections to hun-
We deliver a unique offer of multi-tier
dreds of exchange partners allowing us
datacenters, from Tier II to Tier IV, mean-
to provide this low latency, high speed
ing that we provide the highest security
and redundant internet access. Thanks
of the data existing with the best SLA
to our IP transit capacity, we make sure
ever. This is particularly important in the
that the business of our clients will be
gaming industry or even the gambling
as efficient as they want.
industry. Within the data protection we offer, redundancy is the best existing
Our experience of more than fifteen
solution. Imagine what the losses of a
years, which includes companies from
single minute downtime of a gambling
the gambling field and with our high
site can cause. In our tier IV datacent-
skilled and certified engineers, Data-
ers, if one way is down, another one
center.eu is able to deliver and follow
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other one will take over. The security is
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maximum. To know more about us: It is also very important to benefit of a great connectivity. Nothing is more
www.datacenter.eu
annoying for a gamer than hitting the jump button and then getting stuck in
INFINITY GAMING
Some might see this as a fruit salad...
IF YOU SEE WHAT WE SEE, You belong with us - vegasmaster.com
GAMING NEWS
SUMMER 2016
Dutch MP questions KPMG on Curacao online gambling
D
utch Member of Parliament
want to know of you.”
KPMG itself. I would take a close look
Ronald van Raak has asked
A large part of the online gambling
at the activities of the KPMG people
the Chairman of KPMG’s
companies operate through the local
in the Dutch Caribbean, starting with
Board of Directors Albert Röell about
telecommunication company UTS,
UTS.”
the role of the firm in the illegal gam-
which is owned by Curaçao Govern-
bling industry in Curaçao, according
ment.
to reports from the Daily Herald.
The MP said that he directed himself to Röell because so far the response
“And, what happens to be the case:
of KPMG Dutch Caribbean had not
Van Raak asked the question in an
KPMG Dutch Caribbean is active in
been reassuring.
open letter published on the Dutch
UTS in many ways,” said Van Raak.
news and opinion website The-
“It is my understanding that KPMG
“They deny having connections with
PostOnline. The Member of Parlia-
people provide technical support,
gambling bosses like Corallo, but at
ment (MP) said that KPMG often
management consultancy services,
the same time declare that they have
served as an external consultant for
they carry out research and sales
severed all ties with him last year.
government-owned companies in
activities and audit the books of
You can rest assure, we will continue
Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten and
UTS. The UTS boss came from KPMG,
with our own investigation.”
that he encountered the name of
which also has been the external ac-
KPMG in his quest to expose the il-
countant of UTS,” Said Van Raak who
Van Raak mentioned the large-scale
legal gambling industry, especially in
pointed out that the firm also did
investigation into the gambling sec-
Curaçao. Bellmark Casino, Zon Casino,
the external audit of the companies
tor in Curaçao and St. Maarten which
Neder Bet, Neder Gaming, Bit Casino,
of “dubious gambling entrepreneurs
the Dutch Government has started
Sports Bet are all gambling com-
like Francesco Corallo, who is also
with the assistance with the United
panies that are aimed at the Dutch
tied to the Sicilian mafia.
States and Italy. Referring to this
market and are registered in Curaçao.
investigation, which was the result
“This island appears to be the centre
” The MP mentioned KPMG’s Code
of an adopted motion of the Second
of hundreds of illegal gambling
of Conduct, recently established by
Chamber which was initiated by Van
companies that are active all over the
Röell, which states that the company
Raak and André Bosman of the liberal
world. The Curaçao Government has
is “open and honest” in its communi-
democratic VVD party, Van Raak
provided a small number of people,
cation and that “difficult situations”
advised Röell to be “candid” and
as holders of a master license, the
required a “candid” approach. “KPMG
to address the wrongdoings in the
opportunity to sell sub-licenses. This
writes nice words in the Code of
Dutch Caribbean.
takes place without solid checks and
Conduct about difficult situations.
supervision,”explained Van Raak in
I am afraid that we are dealing with
“That is far better than to wait for
his open letter to Röell.
an issue of a difficult nature. I would
what will surely happen anyway.”
very much like to know how deeply “Now I don’t have to tell you that a
involved your company is exactly in
lot of criminal money is laundered
the illegal gambling industry,”Said
through the gambling industry. You
Van Raak.
Courtesy of CuracaoChronicle
may be asking yourself: ‘That is so nice of you Mr. Van Raak to tell me
“KPMG has to perform checks for
this, but what is my part in that?’
fraud and corruption. It would seem
Well Mr. Röell that is exactly what I
a good idea to start checking within
INFINITY GAMING
41
GAMING NEWS
Genting UK annual figures disaster
SUMMER 2016
Rank Group pleased with results
C
asino operator Genting UK part of the global Genting gaming firm announced its 2015 results for its UK business showing a £56 million loss for the year. Hit hardest was the companies London business which has four casinos and saw revenues drop by £100 million, although Genting saw a rise of visitor numbers to its clubs overall of 100,000 in the year customers spend was down 29% overall but a huge 64% down in London. The previous year saw London customers spend £285 per head this year £160. London continued to drag down any results as provincial casinos actually saw revenues rise by 15% in its 43 casinos outside of London. But With London turning in a loss of £45 million and provincials losing some £10 million it all reads very bad for Genting UK. Peter Brooks, president and chief operating officer of Genting UK, said: “The focus of the group over the coming year includes strengthening the group’s position in the domestic business segment and improving business efficiency. “In addition following the adverse effects of events encountered in Asia on the international business segment, the group has revised its marketing efforts and will be implementing additional strategies to reinforce this segment.”
The Rank Group were pleased with their results during the 19 weeks to May 8th showing total like for like revenues up 3% and total revenues up 2%. Grosvenor Casinos saw LFL revenue up 4% and total revenue ahead 3%. For Mecca, these figures were 1% and -1% respectively. “Rank is in a strong financial position, possesses market-leading brands with multi-channel distribution and has a clear strategy for sustained long-term growth,” the company said in a statement. CEO Henry Birch commented: “I am pleased with the Group’s performance during this 19-week period. We have seen continued likefor-like revenue growth across all of our brands and the performance in our Grosvenor digital business has been particularly encouraging. “During the period we launched our new digital platform which was delivered both on time and on budget. This is an important development for the Group and we look forward to the benefits the increased functionality will bring.”
INFINITY GAMING
43
GAMING NEWS
SUMMER 2016
William Hill suffers revenue fall on latest results
W
illiam Hill’s results for the
Leicester result was ten times worse
16 weeks to April were
than any other time it had a major
worse than many expect-
payout.
ed showing a fall in overall revenues
football results.’ The bookmaker said it still expected its operating profit for 2016 will be
of 3% compared
between £260million
to the same period
and £280million, com-
in 2015. The most
pared to £291million in
disappointing part is
2015.
that the companies previously highly
Another announce-
successful online
ment from William Hill
business dropped
in what is thought to
11%.
be a move to boost the firms online busi-
The UK bookmaker
ness, Crispin Nieboer
also said that its
has taken over as full
Australian busi-
time online managing
ness saw revenues
director, having been
fall 22% over the
appointed on an interim
period from last year. William Hill
William Hill’s chief executive James
basis back in January.
did announce a profit warning back
Henderson said: ‘It has been a tough
in March, but with Leicester Football
start to the year in online, which is
Nieboer steps up to the role after
club winning the premier league
being impacted by both regulatory
previously serving as director of cor-
and Wiliam Hill paying out some
change and a gross win margin below
porate development and innovation
£3 million to punters along with a
normalised levels for the period
at William Hill.
disastrous Cheltenham has hit the
due to a disappointing Cheltenham
company hard, with it saying that the
festival and unfavourable European
Nugget Casino Resort sold
T
he Nugget Casino Resort has
invest $25 million in the next two
“This is a long-term investment
been sold for an undisclosed
years to renovate the Nugget’s two
opportunity for us. The Nugget is an
amount to Marnell Gaming
hotel towers and convention centre.
iconic property in a great location
following Nevada Gaming regulators
The 1,000 slot machines in the
and we hope to be here for many
approval of the sale.
casino will be also replaced.
years.
With the sale of the Nugget it adds
Anthony Marnell the CEO of Marnell
It has also been agreed that the
to the portfolio of the Colorado
Gaming Said, “We are ready to
name “The Nugget Casino Resort”
Belle and Edgewater Casino resorts
quickly invest the capital needed to
will remain with the new own-
in Laughlin, Nevada.
take the Nugget Casino Resort to the
ers along with its current events
top of its game.”
calendar.
Marnell Gaming says it wants to
INFINITY GAMING
45
GAMING NEWS
SUMMER 2016
Macau mid-term review positive for operators
T
he release of the long awaited report by the casino industry from the Macau government of its mid-term review on casinos and their impact in the gaming hub. Overall the report which was published in Chinese and Portuguese reviewed the impact on four sections including economy, society / local, operations and contract fulfilment of operators and the junket industry. In relation to the junket sector, Paulo Martins Chan, during the press conference confirmed the DICJ was looking into the possibility of setting up a database of people that owe overdue debts related to credit issued for gambling. “we consider this [a database] is viable,” said Chan.
However calls were made to regulate the junket sector more. The report said, “Despite the positive role of junket promoters in the development process of the gaming industry, there are still bound to be problematic areas which need stronger regulatory effort in order to enable a healthy and orderly development of the industry.” Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong also pointed out that the report “has nothing to do with the gaming concession renewal,” rather it focused on efforts made by gaming operators to add non-gaming elements to their offerings. In the past we only looked at gaming revenue,” said Leong during the press conference, “We cannot
only depend on a small number of customers [VIP players] to generate most of the revenue. We need to have new clients,” he added. Macau casino operator Sands China Ltd. was quick to respond to the gaming interim review announcement, affirming that they are “committed to contributing to the development of Macau into a world centre of tourism and leisure and to contributing to the successful diversification of Macau.” In total operators were happy and also relieved by the mid-term review and echoed the comments of Sands China which say they too want to make Macau not just a gambling destination but a tourist destination and business conference location.
INFINITY GAMING
47
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www.empirecasinorecruitment.com +44(0) 1543 478 889
GAMING NEWS
A
SUMMER 2016
Betsson announce new VP Corporate Communications key and strategic appointment has been made at Betsson AB to strengthen its corporate management team, the company announced today.
.
Pia Rosin has been appointed Vice President of Corporate Communication as of 20 June 2016. Her role will encompass investor relations and financial communications for Betsson AB. Pia was previously Investor Relations Manager at Saab Defence and Security and has vast experience in corporate communications. ‘Pia will be creating a responsive and shareholderfocused investor relations function. She brings to the role a broad knowledge of our business from her time at Entraction as well as investor relations from her time at Saab. I am confident that she will quickly become an extremely valuable partner to our investor community’, Ulrik Bengtsson, President and CEO of Betsson AB, said.
Leigh Nissim becomes CEO of Nektan Nektan the online gaming technology provider have announced their new CEO as Leigh Nissim who will assume the role in July. Nissim leaves IGT where he has been Commercial Director for IGT’s interactive division. Nissim is an industry veteran with over 11 years of experience with previous experience with St Minver and GTECH G2 prior to the IGT role. Nektan said Nissim will take on his new role in late July, replacing interim chief executive and company founder Gary Shaw, who has held the role since David Gosen’s departure in January this year. On stepping down from the CEO job, Shaw will take on a different executive role as director of strategy. “We’re delighted to be appointing someone of Leigh’s calibre and experience to Nektan during this period of high growth and development,” Nektan chair Jim Wilkinson said. “With his strong track record of successfully growing gambling businesses
across our product verticals and within regulated markets, Leigh’s appointment will help Nektan continue its growth momentum and capitalise on new distribution and product opportunities. “The board is confident that Leigh’s digital and gaming pedigree, plus his financial background gained earlier in his career at Deloitte, will benefit the employees, customers and shareholders of Nektan as we enter the next chapter of our development,” he added. Wilkinson also thanked Shaw for fulfilling “a crucial role” since Gosen’s departure. “As director of strategy, Gary will remain focused on adding value to the company through his significant entrepreneurial skills, in particular helping to develop the considerable opportunities available to the company in Europe and in the US through its joint venture Respin,” Wilkinson explained.
INFINITY GAMING
49